Skip to Content
Streetsblog New York City home
Streetsblog New York City home
Log In
Events

Panel: Jane Jacobs and the Future of New York: A Civic Activist Boot Camp: Working Within and Without the System

JJ_web_logo.jpg

Jane Jacobs was not beholden to any strategy for making change happen. And today, the complexity of the city and its needs are such that activists also employ a diversity of approaches. While some embrace the protest and resistance models that Jacobs used to oppose the Lower Manhattan Expressway, others focus on effecting social, cultural and political change while working within existing structures.

In the spirit of Jane Jacobs, this panel not only will explore ways to open up urban planning processes, it will detail concrete ways that individuals can acquire the tools necessary to make their voices heard. Participants will outline ways to make stands, including basic organization, media relations, community relations, government relations, and the use of legal action.

    • Richard Kahan, Urban Assembly — moderator
    • Alexie Torres-Fleming, Southern Bronx Watershed River Alliance / Youth Ministries for Peace and Justice
    • Reverend Billy, Church of Stop Shopping
    • Joshua David, Friends of the High Line
    • Marshall Brown, Atlantic Yards Development Workshop

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog New York City

Budget Crunch: Advocates Push Mamdani For Massive Fair Fares Expansion

The expansion would offer free transit on the subway and bus for people making up to 150 percent of the federal poverty level, which is not a lot.

February 5, 2026

AV Snub: School Bus Drivers Close The Doors On Autonomous Vehicles

School bus drivers are joining the chorus of opposition to a possible statewide expansion of Waymo, but it could be too late.

February 5, 2026

Thursday’s Headlines: Menin to the Rescue Edition

Al fresco is back on the menu, Council Speaker Julie Menin said on Wednesday. Plus more news.

February 5, 2026

Commentary: US DOT’s Misguided War on Bikeways

"European genes do not produce some kind of innate affinity for human-powered mobility — [and] people on any continent will use bike infrastructure if it is safe."

February 5, 2026

City Council to Bring Back Year-Round Outdoor Dining After Adams-Era Decimation

New Council Speaker Julie Menin wants to scrap Adams-era rules that shrunk the program to just 400 approved locations from a pandemic era high of 8,000.

February 4, 2026

Meet Steve Fulop, Corporate New York’s New Mouthpiece

Streetsblog sat down with former Jersey City Mayor Steve Fulop last week to discuss his new role at the Partnership for New York City.

February 4, 2026
See all posts